Method and apparatus for fluid flow testing

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to testing apparatus and methodology for measuring fluid dynamic properties of structures within fluid flows. One embodiment includes a fluid induced motion testing apparatus of the type which includes a test rig suitable for holding a test body in a fluid body. The apparatus may include any of an actuator suitable for producing a force upon the test body; a turbulence generator located in the fluid body up current from the test body suitable for generating a turbulent flow field with uniform turbulence intensity across the fluid body-test body interface, the turbulent flow field including dominate vortical structures, the axis of the vortical structures about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the test body; or a test body adjuster suitable for adjusting the test body relative to the fluid current in four or more increments, thereby enabling multiple headings of the test body to be tested against the current of the fluid body. This invention also relates to designing and constructing offshore structures and to producing hydrocarbon resources using offshore structures designed using the testing apparatus and methodology.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Stage of International Application No.PCT/US04/04742, filed 17 Feb. 2004, and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application 60/476,932, filed Jun. 9, 2003 and U.S.Provisional Application 60/502,718, filed Sep. 12, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to testing apparatus and methodologyfor measuring dynamic properties of structures within fluid flows. Thisinvention also relates to designing and constructing offshore structuresand to producing hydrocarbon resources using offshore structuresdesigned using the testing apparatus and methodology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Offshore structures must be capable of withstanding forces from theocean environment over the entire life of the structure. Wind, waves andcurrents are the principle sources of dynamic loading. Currents and windare known for inducing structures into a vibratory motion, oftenreferred to as Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV). This vibration is theresult of the fluid (e.g. water and/or air) shedding in an alternatingfashion from opposite sides of the structure. This alternating sheddingof vortices creates an oscillatory pressure field in the fluid aroundthe structure. Depending on the resistance of the structure, theseforces can be large enough to induce movement of the structure. The rateof this shedding depends on the size of the structure and the speed ofthe fluid. As the shedding frequency approaches a natural vibrationfrequency of the structure, the oscillatory pressures can induce aresonant vibration on the structure. VIV places demands on strength andfatigue resistance of offshore structures.

Interest in VIV-induced motions of offshore structures and tow tankswith sufficient capability to test at the high Reynolds numbersnecessary to be applicable for offshore applications have been presentfor more than twenty-five years. Yet, accurate prediction of full-scalebehavior of offshore systems has remained elusive due to the inherentlimitations in testing and analysis procedures used in the field todate.

The presently known methodologies for testing offshore structures forVIV motions may generally be classified into three categories. Firstthere is testing in current flumes where the current flows past the testbody. However for open channel testing, only low Reynolds numbers may beachieved and there is little control over the turbulence intensitylevel. For cavitation channel testing, which operates at higher thanatmospheric pressure, the current design and implementation of test rigsdo not allow for large amplitude oscillation at wide ranges of flowvelocity.

Next, there is testing in tow tanks where the test body is towed througha long tank. This type of testing is normally hampered by mechanicaldamping effects resulting from the use of a test rig that holds the testbody. Such mechanical damping effects are either ignored or improperlyquantified in subsequent data processing. Furthermore, some testing isaccomplished with a vertical test body which pierces the surface of thewater fluid body. Tests where the test body is oriented vertically andpierces the water surface can generate waves and be unacceptable forhigh Reynolds number testing.

Then there is also forced oscillation testing methods where the testbody is forced to oscillate at given frequencies and amplitudes. At highReynolds numbers, the hydrodynamic force is large and is dominated byinertia effects that tend to overwhelm lift and damping forces. Therelatively large inertia force coupled with components orders ofmagnitude smaller render measurement of the smaller forces difficult andinaccurate.

To summarize, available laboratory test set-ups and procedures have alsobeen unable to consistently reproduce full scale observed behavior.Problems inherent to existing test rigs include the inability toproperly account for mechanical damping in the test set-up, theinability to model free-surface wave effects and the inability toproperly model turbulence. In addition, analytical methods forpredicting VIV for the range of Reynolds number and complex geometriesassociated with typical offshore structures have proven to beinadequate. Embodiments of the VIV testing apparatus and proceduresoutlined herein are capable of reproducing observed full scale phenomenaand provide a major improvement compared to other available test rigsand test methodologies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the current invention includes a fluid induced motiontesting apparatus of the type which includes a test rig suitable forholding a test body in a fluid body. In one embodiment of the inventionthe testing apparatus includes one or more of the following element(s).The element may be an actuator suitable for producing a force upon thetest body; a turbulence generator located in the fluid body up currentfrom the test body suitable for generating a turbulent flow field withuniform turbulence intensity across the fluid body-test body interface,the turbulent flow field including dominate vortical structures, theaxis of the vortical structures about parallel to the longitudinal axisof the test body; or a test body adjuster suitable for adjusting thetest body relative to the fluid current in four or more increments,thereby enabling multiple headings of the test body to be tested againstthe current of the fluid body.

An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a method for testingfluid induced motions using the testing apparatus described above andvarious other testing apparatus alternatives described herein. Themethod includes: a) providing a fluid body comprising a fluid; b)attaching a test body to a test rig of the testing apparatus; c)submerging the test body at least partially in the fluid body; and d)moving the test body, the fluid, or both thereby creating relativemovement between the test body and the fluid.

An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a fluid inducedmotion testing apparatus. The apparatus including: a) a test body; b) atest rig suitable for holding the test body in a fluid body; and c) oneor more of the following elements: 1) an actuator suitable for producinga force upon the test body; 2) a turbulence generator located in thefluid body up current from the test body suitable for generating aturbulent flow field with uniform turbulence intensity across the fluidbody-test body interface, the turbulent flow field including dominatevortical structures, the axis of the vortical structures about parallelto the longitudinal axis of the test body; or 3) a test body adjustersuitable for adjusting the test body relative to the fluid current infour or more increments, thereby enabling multiple headings of the testbody to be tested against the current of the fluid body.

An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a fluid inducedmotion testing apparatus. The testing apparatus including a test bodyand a test rig suitable for holding the test body in a fluid body. Thetesting apparatus characterized by the apparatus including one or moreof the following elements: a) an actuation means suitable for producinga force upon the test body; b) a turbulence generation means located inthe fluid body up current from the test body suitable for generating aturbulent flow field with uniform turbulence intensity across the fluidbody-test body interface, the turbulent flow field including dominatevortical structures, the axis of the vortical structures about parallelto the longitudinal axis of the test body; c) a test body adjustmentmeans suitable for adjusting the test body relative to the fluid currentin four or more increments, thereby enabling multiple headings of thetest body to be tested against the current of the fluid body; d) anon-linear spring means suitable for absorbing at least a portion of theforces imparted to the test body in a direction perpendicular to thefluid current, the non-linear spring means suitable for simulating thestiffness characteristic of an offshore structure represented by thetest body; or e) a towing means suitable for transferring movement froma means of propulsion to the test body thereby moving the test bodyrelative to the fluid body, said towing means including a towing strutpivotally connected to a towing rod, said towing rod connected to saidtest body, said towing strut connected to said means of propulsion, saidtowing means thereby providing a means for movement of said test body ina direction perpendicular to the fluid current, the ratio of the lengthof said towing rod to the average diameter of said test body beinggreater than 6.

An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a method for testingfluid induced motions using a testing apparatus. The method includesdetermining a flow regime range that is dynamically relativelyconsistent within such flow regime range. The method includesdetermining at least one Reynolds number within said flow regime rangeexpected to be experienced by an offshore structure while in a body ofwater. The method includes providing a fluid body comprising a fluid.The method includes providing a test body, the test body beingrepresentative of the offshore structure. The method includes providinga testing apparatus suitable for holding the test body. The methodincludes attaching a test body to a test rig of the testing apparatus.The method includes determining a second Reynolds number within the flowregime range that is suitable for testing fluid induced motions usingthe testing apparatus, the second Reynolds number differing from the atleast one Reynolds number. The method includes submerging the test bodyat least partially in the fluid body. The method includes moving thetest body, the fluid, or both thereby creating relative movement betweenthe test body and the fluid wherein the relative movement between thetest body and the fluid approximates the second Reynolds number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a testing apparatus according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a push-pull assembly and associatedequipment according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a one embodiment of a testing apparatus according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a depiction of the lift coefficient versus motionamplitude.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a model that may be used in someembodiments of the invention. FIG. 6 aillustrates one turbulence barscreen arrangement.

FIG. 6 billustrates the turbulence bar screen performance of theturbulence screen of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 6 cillustrates another turbulence bar screen arrangement.

FIG. 6 dillustrates the turbulence bar screen performance of theturbulence screen of FIG. 6 c.

FIG. 7 illustrates a production spar.

FIG. 8 illustrates a comparison of current induced VIV amplitudes.

FIG. 9 illustrates a comparison of predicted and observed VIV amplitude.

FIG. 10 illustrates a comparison of predicted and observed VIVamplitude.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a turbulence generator.

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a vertical displacementequalization system.

FIG. 13 depicts the relationship between drag, Strouhal number andReynolds number for stationary cylinders.

FIG. 14 depicts an A/D (VIV motion amplitude/characteristic diameter orcylinder diameter) response comparison of field observations and modeltests.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein and in the appended claims the phrase “test body” ismeant to refer to any geometrically shaped structure which is able to beplaced in a fluid body. A test body may, but does not have to be, amodel scale representation of a larger structure that may, but does nothave to be, an offshore structure. A test body may be any type of testbody, for example any horizontal or vertical, single or double, dividedor undivided, test body in any geometric shape. A test body may becapable of being completely submerged in the fluid body or partiallysubmerged in the fluid body, depending on the specific requirement ofthe model test.

As used herein and in the claims the phrase “offshore structure” ismeant to refer to any structure that may come into contact with a bodyof water. Examples of offshore structures, include, but are not limitedto, floating structures, spars, tension leg platforms, drilling orproduction risers, pipelines, subsea structures and other structuresused in the offshore petroleum industry.

As used herein and in the claims the phrase “fluid” is meant to refer toany type of fluid. Examples of fluids include, but are not limited to,water, air and mixtures thereof. The water may be pure or include otherelements such as salts or minerals. The water may be salt water similarto water found in an ocean.

As used herein and in the claims the phrases “fluid current” or “watercurrent” are meant to refer to any situation where the fluid or the testbody moves relative to the other. For example a test body being draggedthrough a water test tank where the water within the test tank isrelatively stationary or where the test body is stationary and the wateris excited to flow in a current past the test body.

As used herein and in the claims the phrase “actuator” is meant to referto any device which is capable of moving one member relative to anothermember. Examples of actuators include, but are not limited to, pistons,hydraulic systems, mechanical chain and sprocket assembles andmechanical screw assembles.

As used herein and in the claims the phrase “force measurement device”is meant to refer to any device that is capable of measuring a force. Anexample of a force measuring device is a load cell.

As used herein and in the claims the phrase “vertical motion sensor” ismeant to refer to any type of sensor capable of measuring the movementof one member relative to another member or a reference point. Althoughthe phrase vertical motion sensor includes the term “vertical” thesensor may measure motions in any direction, including a purelyhorizontal direction. The term vertical was applied to the definedphrase because the type of motion sensor used in the more commonconfiguration, where a test body is moved in and relative to waterhorizontally, includes measuring vertical VIV motions induced in thetest body perpendicular to the relative test body-fluid relative flow. Avertical motion sensor may be, but is not limited to, a linear variabledifferential transfer cells and/or a variable resistance transducer.

Embodiments of this invention relate generally to testing apparatus andmethodology for accurately measuring hydrodynamic coefficientsincluding, for example, lift, damping and added mass coefficients, andpredicting current induced vibrational motions on offshore structuresover a broad range of flow conditions (at differing speeds, directionsand turbulence levels). The testing apparatus and methodology describedherein may be used to predict hydrodynamic properties for offshorestructures, such as, but not limited to, floating structures, spars,tension leg platforms, drilling or production risers, pipelines, subseastructures and other structures used in the offshore petroleum industry.

VIV places demands on the strength and fatigue resistance of offshorestructures. The design for structures subject to VIV requires knowledgeof the fluid loads (drag and lift) and the resulting structural responseto those loads. Determination of the fluid loading depends on fluidproperties (density, viscosity), flow conditions (speed, profile overthe body, unsteadiness, turbulence, direction), body geometry (shape,configuration, length, roughness, appurtenances, orientation to flow),and body movement (flexible or rigid, amplitude, frequency).Non-dimensional parameters which can be used to characterize thehydrodynamic and dynamic characteristic properties of the VIV problemare the “Reynolds number” (current speed times body diameter divided byfluid kinematic viscosity) and “reduced-velocity” (current speed timesnatural period of oscillation divided by body diameter).

Embodiments of the testing apparatus and methodologies discussed hereinare also capable of addressing VIV problems involving marine risers.Current riser VIV predictive tools require knowledge of sectionalhydrodynamic coefficients such as lift, damping and added masscoefficients. By balancing mechanical damping with external actuatorforce and by balancing inertia forces with a spring system, thisinvention is capable of accurately measuring these coefficients atfull-scale Reynolds number. Conventional methods using force oscillationtests to yield these coefficients has shown to be inaccurate andrequires considerable safety margins for design.

The available prior art riser design hydrodynamic coefficients applyonly at low Reynolds numbers. The testing apparatus and methodologydescribed herein enable one to acquire coefficients for a broad range,including super critical Reynolds number flow conditions. Thiscapability will reduce design uncertainty and associated costs.

Embodiments of this invention include one or more of several test riginnovations and associated methodology. These test rig innovations andmethodologies may significantly improve tow tank model testing ofVIV-induced motions on offshore structures. These innovations may beimplemented in a test rig that is attached to a tow carriage which ridesover the top of a long test tank to pull the test body through a fluid,for example, water. The innovations described herein may also beimplemented on a test rig which remains stationary and the fluid currentmoves past the test body.

Referring now to FIG. 1 which depicts an overall schematic of oneembodiment of the invention that includes many of the innovationsdescribed above. However, it is the claims appended hereto that definethe scope of the multiple individual embodiments of the inventionclaimed herein. Neither FIG. 1, nor any other figure or descriptioncontained herein, should be considered a depiction of elements that allembodiments of the invention contain. To the contrary, it is the claimsthat define which elements described herein are included in a particularembodiment of the invention.

Test body 1 is depicted as a horizontal double test body including adivider plate 2 located in the center of the test body 1. The horizontaldouble test body is one particular type of test body 1 that may be usedin some embodiments of the invention but other test bodies may also beused in embodiments of the invention. Any type of test body may be usedwith other embodiments of the invention, for example any horizontal orvertical, single or double, divided or undivided, test body in anygeometric shape. The test body may be completely submerged in the fluidbody or partially submerged in the fluid body, depending on the specificrequirement of the model test. For example, in order to avoid problemsinherent in other test rigs a horizontally oriented test body 1 can bedeeply submerged in the fluid body, for example water, to avoidfree-surface effects occurring at fluid body interfaces, for example, awater-air interface. In alternate embodiments of the invention the testbody 1 is submerged at least 1 test body diameter below the fluidsurface and at least 1 diameter from the fluid body bottom. Inalternative embodiments the test body 1 is submerged at least 3 testbody diameters below the fluid surface and at least 3 diameters from thefluid body bottom. In alternative embodiments the test body 1 issubmerged at least 6 test body diameters below the fluid surface and atleast 6 diameters from the fluid body bottom. The submerged horizontaldouble test body with a divider plate 2, simulating mirror imagescorresponding to the submerged portion of a floating structure, may beused in embodiments of the invention to simulate free surface effects,for example, the effect of an air-water interface on a surface-piercingfloating offshore structure. A divider plate may be designed to preventfluid transfer across the divider plate 2, thereby simulating a fluidinterface (such as a water-air interface). The double test body allowsfor the additional benefit of redundant measurement on both sides of themodel, which provides a check for data consistency. The double bodyconfiguration may also be used in conjunction with the divider plate 2to provide a balanced system for measurement.

The test body 1 may be towed through a test tank through use of a towingassembly 23. The towing assembly 23 may be composed of a tow rod 3 andtow strut 4. Alternatively, multiple tow rods 3 may be used to connectthe test body 1 to multiple tow struts 4 located upstream in the fluid.One end of tow rod 3 may be connected to the test body 1 while the otherend may be connected to the tow strut 4. Tow strut 4 may also beattached to a towing carriage, not shown, which may be capable of movingthe tow strut 4, and thus the test body 1 through the testing fluid.Alternatively, tow strut 4 may be attached to a fixed body and the fluidmay be forced to flow past the stationary test body 1 and test rig 21.Alternatively, two tow rods 3 may be connected to opposite ends of testbody 1. Alternatively, the tow rod 3 can be very long and may bepivotally connected to the tow strut 4 to enable the test body 1 to movefreely in an almost vertical direction (i.e. perpendicular to the fluidflow) and oscillate nearly vertically (i.e. with a slight arc). In orderto simulate near vertical motion of the test body in alternateembodiments of the invention the tow rod may be long. That is the towrod may alternatively be greater than 2 meters, greater than 3 meters,greater than 4 meters, or greater than 5 meters. The tow rod may also bechosen from the ratio of the length of the tow rod to the diameter, orcharacteristic or average diameter, of the test body. In such a case theration of the tow rod length divided by the test body diameter mayalternatively be greater than 6, greater than 7, greater than 8, greaterthan 9, or greater than 10.

Tow rod 3 may include a tow rod force measuring device 5 to enablemeasurement of drag forces exerted upon the test body 1. The tow rodforce measuring device 5 may be any device capable of measuring the dragforce exerted upon the test body 1, for example, a load cell.

Test body 1 may also be attached to one or more push-pull assembles 7,discussed in more detail later herein. In such an arrangement one end ofthe push-pull assembly 7 may be attached to the test body 1 while theopposite end may be attached to a tow carriage or fixed body. In FIG. 1,the push-pull assembly 7 is partially encased in a drag reduction device13, for example a fairing, to reduce the drag of the push-pull assembly7 in the fluid body. The drag reduction device 13 may be absent orincluded in the various embodiments of the invention and when includedmay be any device which is capable of reducing the drag and disturbancesgenerated by the push-pull rod.

In one embodiment the push-pull assembly 7 may alternatively be equippedwith a spring assembly 9 which may be used to simulate the restoringcharacteristic of a mooring system used for some offshore structures.The spring assembly 9 may include one or more springs 10 which resistforces in the positive and/or negative direction perpendicular to thefluid flow direction (e.g. the vertical direction). Such a system may beused to enable simulation of structural and mooring stiffness common inoffshore structures. One alternative configuration may use a horizontalspring set which deforms vertically (i.e. perpendicular to the fluidflow) to model non-linear mooring stiffness. Further, by adjusting thestiffness (number of springs or individual spring stiffness constant),multiple tests at the same reduced velocity but different Reynoldsnumber can be carried out in order to assess the Reynolds numberdependence and the scalability of the results.

The push-pull assembly 7 may alternatively also include an actuator 8that may be used to apply forces to the test body 1 through thepush-pull assembly 7. In one embodiment the actuator 8 is capable ofapplying positive or negative vertical forces (i.e. perpendicular to thefluid flow direction) to the test body 1 by transfer of such forcethrough the push-pull assembly 7. The actuator 8 may be any device thatis capable of applying a mechanical force to the test body 1 through amechanical linkage. Examples of suitable actuators 8 include, but arenot limited to, pistons, hydraulic systems, mechanical chain andsprocket assembles and mechanical screw assembles.

The push-pull assembly 7 may be attached to a suitable towing carriage,not shown, by attachment of the spring assembly 9, if included, orthrough another manner of attachment. There may be multiple push-pullassembles 7 attached to the test body 1 and the towing carriage asdepicted in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the push-pull assembly 7 may alternativelycontain various constituent elements in different embodiments of theinvention. The resistance of springs 10 of spring assembly 9 may becommunicated to the push pull rod 12 through use of a track 14 and car15 assembly. The springs 10 may be attached to the car 15, which may beslideably movable over the track 14 through use of wheels or bearings16. The track 14 may be attached to, for example, the tow carriage or astationary body. The car 15 may then be in communication with thepush-pull rod 12. The track 14 and car 15 assembly is one particularmethod of communicating the spring 10 resistance to the test body 1,through the push-pull rod 12, however any device capable of performingsuch a function may be used instead of or as a complement to the track14 and car 15 assembly. Vertical push-pull rods 12 may be connected totwo or more points on the test body 1. The push-pull rods 12 may beconnected to the test body 1 far enough apart in a horizontal directionso that the distance between an exterior push-pull rod 12 attachmentpoint and the tow rod 3 connection point is sufficiently small so as toreduce any moment that may be induced in the test body 1 upon movementof the tow carriage. Actuator 8 may also be in communication with thecar 15, thereby affording a means of communicating force added by theactuator 8 through the push-pull rod 12 to the test body 1.

In alternate embodiments the push-pull rod 12 may be manufactured of alight weight material so as to make the push-pull rod neutrally buoyant,nearly neutrally buoyant, or more than neutrally buoyant in the fluidbody. In one embodiment the push-pull rod may be designed so that thecombination of the push-pull rod and the test body are neutrallybuoyant, nearly neutrally buoyant, or more than neutrally buoyant in thefluid body. In differing embodiments of the invention the push-pull rodmay be from 0.5 to 1.5 times the density of the fluid body. In differingembodiments of the invention the push-pull rod may be from 0.75 to 1.25times the density of the fluid body. In differing embodiments of theinvention the push-pull rod may be from 0.90 to 1.10 times the densityof the fluid body. In differing embodiments of the invention the averagedensity of the combination of the push-pull rod and the test body may befrom 0.75 to 1.25 times the density of the fluid body. In differingembodiments of the invention the average density of the combination ofthe push-pull rod and the test body may be from 0.85 to 1.15 times thedensity of the fluid body. In differing embodiments of the invention theaverage density of the combination of the push-pull rod and the testbody may be from 0.95 to 1.05 times the density of the fluid body.

One embodiment of the testing rig 21 includes a force measurement systemwhich is capable of measuring any one or combination of the forcesimparted upon the test body 1 by the actuator 8, vertical (i.e.perpendicular to the fluid flow) forces imparted upon the test body 1from movement of the test body 1 through the fluid, and drag forcesimparted upon the test body 1 through movement in the fluid body. Forexample, an actuation force measurement device 17 may be placed on thetrack 14 beneath the actuator 8 in order to isolate and measure theforce imparted by the actuator 8. A test body force measuring device 18may be placed on the push-pull rod 12 above the connection point withthe test body 1 and below the springs 10 in order to isolate and measurethe vertical (i.e. perpendicular to the fluid current flow) forcesinduced upon the test body 1 through movement in the fluid body, forexample from VIV. As previously discussed a tow rod force measuringdevice 5 may be placed on the tow rod 3 to enable measurement of dragforces exerted upon the test body 1. Additionally a vertical motionsensor 19 may be included on the push-pull assembly 7 to enablemeasurement of the amplitude of the vertical motion experienced by thetest body 1, for example through VIV excitation. The various forcemeasurement devices described herein may be any device capable ofsensing the forces described herein, for example load cells. Thevertical motion sensor 19 may be any type of sensor capable of measuringthe vertical movement of the test body 1, for example linear variabledifferential transfer cells and/or variable resistance transducers.

The force measurement system and vertical motion measurement systemdescribed above may be configured to enable extraction of data usefulfor determining hydrodynamic coefficients required for engineeringanalysis. As previously discussed, the force measurement devices, forexample load cells, may be placed in line with the tow rod to measuredrag forces acting on the test body as a result of fluid current flow.In one embodiment, strategically located force gages above and below thespring and car assembly enables individual measurement of the actuatorforces and the hydrodynamic forces below the spring. Such a system ofmultiple force gauges and/or vertical motion sensors may also be used toaid in control of any external forces applied during testing. Suchexternal forces may be applied to the test body 1 through use of anactuator 8 as discussed herein.

In testing it may be desirable to reduce or eliminate the mechanicaldamping of the test body by the test rig support structure in order toenable a more accurate determination of the hydrodynamic force actingupon the test body. This approach may be accomplished by using thepreviously described vertical motion sensor and/or force measurementdevices to control the actuator output. For example, the vertical motionsensor may be configured to provide input to an actuator motor (forexample, attached to the top of the track) through use of associatedcontrol logic that may enable the actuator to add energy to the systemto compensate for the effects of the mechanical damping due to the testrig. In effect the actuator is thereby controlled to add force that areequal and opposite to the mechanical damping forces. By adjusting theactuator input such that the hydrodynamic lift coefficient is zero (FIG.3), such a system may make it possible to ensure that the VIV is a freeoscillation, that is free of mechanical damping effects. By adjustingthe above-described control logic the actuator may also be controlled todampen the VIV in order to simulate mooring resistance. The controllogic may also be adjusted to add more energy into the system tosimulate forces imparted upon offshore structures by wind, waves orother environmental forces.

A base actuator feedback control mechanism may be derived to compensatefor damping due to mechanical friction. This type of control mechanismis know as Coulomb damping. The implementation of various dampingmodels, such as Coulomb, linear and quadratic damping, in the feedbackcontrol logic enables accurate measurement of lift, damping and theadded mass coefficient of the test body. Since the large inertia forceassociated with high Reynolds number testing may be balanced by thespring system for a wide range of reduced velocities in one embodiment,only a relatively small actuator excitation force may be required tobalance the mechanical damping. By placing the force gauges at strategiclocations (FIG. 2), the lift, damping and added mass coefficients asfunctions of A/D, that is the motion amplitude divided by the test bodydiameter or characteristic diameter, can be measured or calculatedaccurately. In practice, a combination of different damping models maybe used to yield lift coefficients at different values of A/D.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention which includes aspring assembly 9 and a horizontal test body 1. However, this embodimentdoes not include the actuator and turbulence bar screen depicted inFIG. 1. The test body 1 is also a more simplified test body that doesnot include a divider plate, nor the test body appendage detailscontained in FIG. 5.

Returning now to FIG. 1, the test rig may be equipped with a means ofproducing turbulence in the fluid upstream of the test body 1. In FIG. 1this means is depicted as a grouping of turbulence bars 65 attached tothe tow strut 4. Other means of active/passive production of turbulencemay be used, including, for example, an array of jets, a mesh screen,multiple patterned turbulence bars or other patterns of geometricbodies. A turbulence simulation system may be added to the testingapparatus to provide a means of evaluating the effects of turbulence onthe VIV response of the test body. The turbulence simulation system maybe designed to reproduce varying turbulence intensity levels and varyingspatial distributions. In one embodiment, control of the turbulencecharacteristics is achieved through specification of the turbulencescreen bar size, spacing relative to a vertical plane, and distancebetween the vertical plane and test body 1. For example, positioning ofthe turbulence bars as shown in FIG. 6 c provides a means to produceturbulence intensity that is constant over the full range of motionexpected by the test body 1 as it undergoes VIV oscillations. FIG. 6 adisplays two turbulence bars 60 and 60 aplaced upstream of the test body1 with such turbulence bars longitudinal axis in the same verticalplane. In such a configuration the turbulence depicted as U_(rms)/U isnot uniform across the height of test body 1 as depicted by the Z axisgraph on FIG. 6 b. U_(rms) is the root mean square of the test bodyvelocity relative to the fluid body. U is the velocity of the test bodyrelative to the fluid up current of any turbulence. U is, for example,the velocity of the tow carriage moving the test body through astationary water test tank. In contrast when a third larger turbulencebar 64 is added to the previous configuration up current of the originalturbulence bars 60 and 60 aas depicted in FIG. 6 c the turbulence regimeis much more uniform across the height of the test body 1 as depicted inFIG. 6 d. FIG. 11 provides a more detailed view of one embodiment of theturbulence generator. In one embodiment of the current invention the upcurrent turbulence bar in the three bar configuration is from 1.1 to 3times the diameter of the two down current turbulence bars. In analternate embodiment, the up current turbulence bar is from 1.2 to 1.8times the diameter of the two down current turbulence bars. In analternative embodiment, the up current turbulence bar is about 1.5 timesthe diameter of the down current turbulence bars.

It has been found that a three turbulence bar arrangement, with a largerup current turbulence bar is effective in producing the type ofturbulence existing in free ocean currents. Specifically free oceancurrents include turbulence with dominant groups of vortices with acentral axis about perpendicular to the ocean surface and aboutperpendicular to the current direction. These dominant vortices occur inthe larger overall current and are carried with the current. In the casewhere the offshore structure is a spar, the vortices impact the sparhull as they are carried by the overall ocean current with the centralaxis of the vortices being about parallel to the central longitudinalaxis of the spar. In modeling such a turbulence regime when a horizontaltest body is used to represent a vertical spar structure, the vorticesmust be generated to have a central axis parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis of the horizontal test body. The above described threeturbulence bar arrangement is able to produce dominant vorticalstructures, the central axis of which are parallel to the longitudinalaxis of a horizontal test body, in order to simulate the turbulenceregime experienced by vertical offshore structures in actual oceancurrents. Many other prior art testing methods are inadequate formodeling and controlling turbulence, resulting in unacceptable VIVresults.

The test rig 21 may also be equipped with a vertical displacementequalization means in order to stabilize the test body 1, which may beeffective in preventing the test body 1 from experiencing rotationalmotion in the vertical plane (i.e. a plane perpendicular to the fluidflow) in which the central axis of the test body 1 exists. Referring nowto FIG. 12, a vertical displacement equalization system may be used toconnect the respective push-pull assemblies 7, or extensions thereof, inorder to reduce or prevent vertical motion of one push-pull assemblies 7relative to another push-pull assemblies 7. In this manner the test body1 may remain in a straight horizontal position. In one embodiment, apantograph system 73 may be used to ensure the test body remainshorizontal by securing the pantograph cable loop(s) 70 to multiplepoints on the tow carriage 71, or extensions thereof, to ensure that thetest body 1 remains horizontal during testing. For example, the cableloop 70 may be slideably secured to the lower and upper ends of oppositesides of the tow carriage 71 by threading the cable loop 70 throughpulley wheels 74 a,b,c,d secured to the respective tow carriage 71connection points. The pantograph system 73 may include one or morecable loops 70, secured to multiple points on opposite ends of the towcarriage 71 and may alternatively also be attached to the car 15 of thetrack 14 and car 15 system. When the cable loop 70 is attached to thecar 15, the car 15 is effectively integrated into the cable loop 70. Inthis way a cross pattern is established by the cable loop 70 whichremains in tension and thus provides resistance to rotational movementof the test body 1 in a vertical plane. In FIG. 12 the portion of thecable loop 70 between car 15 a and pulley wheel 74 c is depicted as adotted line to show that the cable is located behind the push pull rod12 as opposed to the portion of cable loop 70 between car 15 b andpulley wheel 74 dwhich is in front of the push pull rod 12. In thismanner the cross point 81 of the loop 70 is centered over the centerpoint of the test body 1.

In some testing applications it may be desirable to evaluate multipleheadings of the test body into the fluid current. This may be desirable,for example, where a regular geometric body contains irregularappendages that may produce a non-uniform response depending on theheading of the test body into fluid flow. In order to accomplishmulti-directional testing of a non-uniform test body, a sleeve with thenon-uniform body appendages built onto it may be constructed to fitaround a test body core. The sleeve may then be adjusted, for example byrotation around the test body core, to allow for efficient testing andfine control of heading dependent flows due to appendages on the testbody. In alternative embodiments of the invention the sleeve may beadjusted in four or more, five or more, eight or more, or twelve or moreincrements, thereby enabling multiple headings of the test body to betested against the current of the fluid body. In alternative embodimentsof the invention the sleeve may be adjusted 20 degree, 15 degree, 10degree, or 5 degree or less increments, thereby enabling multipleheadings of the test body to be tested against the current of the fluidbody.

Referring now to FIG. 5 depicting one embodiment of a test body 1 whichis designed to be used as a horizontal double test body with a dividerplate 2 for use is modeling a spar. The test body 1 is composed of anouter sleeve 32 constructed to reproduce a detailed model of an actualspar and includes strakes 30 and various external appendages 31 added torepresent the actual appendages (e.g. riser pipes, boat landings,mooring changes, fairleads and anodes) included on the full scale spar.Each respective side of the test body separated by the divider plate 2is a mirror image of the other side and represents the portion of thefloating spar that is submerged in the ocean during normal operation.

In using the testing apparatus and methodology discussed herein, one mayprefer to use a test tank facility possessing the followingcapabilities. The depth of the tank may be chosen to be such that thebody can be positioned 6 test body diameters from the top and bottom ofthe tank to minimize free surface and bottom boundary effects. The scaleof the test body model and the carriage speed used may be chosen suchthat the tests can be carried out in the same general Reynolds numberregime as the full-scale body.

For offshore platforms that normally operate in the super-criticalReynolds number regime, testing may also be conducted in the sameregime. Methods that rely on predicting super-critical regimeperformance based upon sub-critical testing are believed to beinaccurate. For large diameter structures where it is not possible totest at full scale Reynolds number, the tow carriage may be chosen to becapable of testing to demonstrate Reynolds numbers independence in thesame flow regime. Changing the spring stiffness for a givenreduced-velocity enables running tests at significantly differentReynolds numbers in the same flow regime to check for Reynolds numberdependence.

One method for predicting full-scale responses from model tests may beaccomplished when conditions of similarity are satisfied. Theseconditions apply to both body geometry and flow dynamics. For separatedflows, including VIV of circular cylinders, Reynolds number scaling maybe used. Reynolds number (R_(n)) represents a ratio of fluid forces(inertia/friction). Conditions of similarity exist when the ratio ofthese forces is about the same at all geometrically similar points atall instances in time. For this condition to be true, strictly speaking,R_(n) must be the same for the model and full scale.

Practical limitations with test facilities (power requirements,structural strength, cavitation, shallow-water wave effects) limit theability to meet all conditions of similarity. In some situations, forexample with DDCV's or spars, the best industry can do with modeltesting of offshore structures is to test at R_(n) that are two ordersof magnitude less than full scale, far short of the same R_(n),

Methodology may be used where there are R_(n) ranges where flows aredynamically similar and apply R_(n) scaling within such ranges. Forexample, flows may be considered dynamically similar where the dragcoefficient and Strouhal number (non-dimensional vortex sheddingfrequency for stationary cylinders) remain relatively constant. In theseranges, dynamically similar flows will produce similar VIV response anda representative test body may be tested at a lower R_(n) to representan offshore structure at a higher R_(n) within a dynamically similarrange. While we have not established the existence of a scientific lawthat guarantees the truth of this hypothesis, all of the data from ourfull-scale measurements on DDCV hulls and experimental tests onmodel-scale cylinders support this practice.

FIG. 13 depicts the relationship between drag 90, Strouhal number 91 andReynolds number for stationary cylinders. FIG. 13 shows two exemplaryReynolds number ranges that are dynamically similar, the sub-critical 92and super-critical 93 regimes. Roughness may have an impact in thesuper-critical range as indicated with the dashed lines 94 and 95. It ispreferable to ensure that the test models have sufficient roughness torepresent the physical roughness encountered in the ocean. FIG. 13 alsodepicts the range in the super critical regime 93 where a testingfacility is capable of operating 96 as compared to the range that anoffshore structure might experience 97.

In the sub-critical regime, experiments on circular cylinders indicatekey VIV related phenomenon remain invariant over the range of R_(n).This data comes primarily from test data on risers and cylinders over alarge range of Reynolds numbers in the sub-critical region. The wake orflow pattern behind the cylinder (width of wake, size, pattern andspacing of shed vortices, etc) remain nearly the same. The frequency ofvortex shedding, f, on a fixed cylinder maintains a nearly constantrelationship to flow speed U and cylinder diameter D: f=S_(t)U/D, wherethe Strouhal number S_(t) is limited to a narrow range as shown in theFIG. 13. For spring-mounted cylinders, VIV occurs when the vortexshedding frequency roughly coincides with the cylinder's naturalfrequency, f_(n). Furthermore, VIV occurs in a narrow range of reducedvelocity V_(r) of about 5 to 9 where V_(r)=U/(f_(n)D). Maximum amplitudeA/D remains nearly constant at ˜1.0 for smooth cylinders. For fixedcylinders the drag coefficient C_(d) remains nearly constant with R_(n)as indicated above in the chart. For cylinders in VIV, test data showthe drag characteristics are constant with Reynolds number for similarA/D motion and reduced velocity.

In the supercritical regime, data for circular cylinders again show thefollowing. The wake behind the cylinder remains nearly the same,although it is much narrower than the wake in the sub-critical regime.The Strouhal number remains nearly constant, although at a value higherthan that for the sub-critical regime. Fixed cylinder drag coefficientC_(d) remains nearly constant; and the value is less than that for thesub-critical regime. Over a small part of the supercritical region(R_(n) range of 1 to 3×10⁶), our model test data for DDCV sparsconsistently show invariant VIV response (amplitude, lock-in range, anddrag) with respect to Reynolds number. To test at different Reynoldsnumbers and maintain constant reduced velocity, model swaystiffness/period and test speed may be varied. VIV responses (amplitude,lock-in range, and drag) over a larger range of the supercritical regionare supportive, but not precise. FIG. 14 depicts an A/D (VIV motionamplitude/characteristic diameter or cylinder diameter) responsecomparison of field observations 98 and model tests 99. FIG. 14 shows aqualitatively favorable comparison between model tests at the lower endof the super-critical range 98 with field conditions at Reynolds numbers2-3 orders of magnitude higher 99. None of the comparisons with fielddata from DDCV spars reveal clear evidence of contradictions or concernswith the scaling practice. The small differences that do exist can beaccounted for by calculating impacts of the presence of wind and wavedrift 105.

An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a method for testingfluid induced motions using a testing apparatus and the above describedmethod of determining dynamically relatively constant flow regimes. Themethod may include determining a flow regime range that is dynamicallyrelatively consistent within such flow regime range, for example thesub-critical or super-critical regime. The dynamically constant flowregime may be determined using a consistency measure. Examples ofconsistency measures include drag (C_(d)), Strouhal number, A/D, liftcoefficient (C_(l)) or combinations of these measures. The consistentflow regime may therefore be defined where the consistency measure isrelatively constant, for example where the chosen consistency measurevaries by less than 50% or alternatively less than 40%, 30%, 25%, 20% or10%.

The method may include determining at least one Reynolds number withinthe defined flow regime range expected to be experienced by an offshorestructure while in a body of water. This may optionally be a Reynoldsnumber that is too high to be modeled using conventional water testingfacilities. For example, many testing facilities are only capable oftesting at Reynolds numbers below 5,000,000 while others are capable oftesting at Reynolds numbers below 3,000,000, 1,000,000, 500,000 or300,000. Alternatively, the testing may be accomplished at Reynoldsnumbers between 200,000 to 5,000,000 or 600,000 to 4,000,000 or 800,000to 4,000,000. Conversely many large offshore structures, for exampleDDCV's and spars, experience Reynolds numbers in excess of 5,000,000while others experience Reynolds numbers in excess of 10,000,000,50,000,000, 70,000,000, 80,000,000 or more. The method includesdetermining a second Reynolds number within the flow regime range thatis suitable for testing fluid induced motions using the testingapparatus, the second Reynolds may number differ from the at least oneReynolds number expected to be experienced by an offshore structure. Themethod includes testing a test body that is representative of theoffshore structure of interest at a Reynolds number which approximatesthe second Reynolds number that is suitable for testing fluid inducedmotions using the testing apparatus.

For structures such as risers that can experience flows in multipleReynolds number regimes, the test tank may be chosen to possesscapabilities to cover such a range. The capability to fit the testingapparatus with a wide range of springs expands the choice of modelscales and tow carriages to enable testing at Reynolds numbers over flowregimes of interest.

The testing apparatus and methodologies described herein may be used todesign, evaluate and construct offshore structures for use in exploringfor and producing offshore hydrocarbon resources. The offshore structuremay be for example a classic spar (e.g. a deep draft caisson vessel(“DDCV”) or a truss spar) that is equipped with a deck or a productionor export riser. In the case of the spar, the deck can support offshorehydrocarbon resource (i.e. oil and gas) exploration, drilling andproduction operations. The deck may be use to conduct offshore seismicdata collection. Alternatively, the deck can support offshore drillingequipment for oil and/or gas drilling operations. The deck may alsosupport oil and/or gas production equipment for the production of oiland gas natural resources. Produced oil and/or gas may then be offloadedfrom the deck by, for example, pipeline to shore or a transport ship orbarge and then moved to shore. The oil and gas may then be refined intousable petroleum products such as, for example, natural gas, liquefiedpetroleum gas, gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, heating oil or otherpetroleum products.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the testing apparatus described herein provide asignificant improvement over other test rigs used by the offshoreindustry. Examples using embodiments of the invention described hereinare included below. FIG. 7 shows a schematic of a production spar 40 asit appears in the field, including a depiction of its mooring lines 41and subsea well heads 42. When currents are high the entire floatingplatform becomes subject to large oscillating motions. Such motions areimportant to the design of the mooring lines that hold the structure inplace. The motions also influence design of the production risers, whichare pipes bringing production fluids from the seafloor to the structure,and export risers, which are pipes bringing oil and gas from thestructure to seafloor pipelines which deliver the product to onshorereceiving terminals.

In the first example, a test rig corresponding to the test rig depictedin FIG. 1, including a three turbulence bar arrangement of FIG. 11, wasused to reproduce current-induced VIV motions observed at two floatingproduction spars in the Gulf of Mexico using horizontal double testbodies with a divider plate of the type depicted in FIG. 5. This firsttesting apparatus will be referred to in this and the following exampleas Test Apparatus 1. The testing using the above described TestApparatus 1 was contrasted against a second testing apparatus (TestApparatus 2) which did not include 1) a test body which included arotatable outer sleeve, 2) an actuator, and 3) a three turbulence barturbulence screen arrangement.

The above-described testing apparatus were secured to a tow carriage anddragged through a 2000 ft×20 ft×16 ft water test tank. The test body wassubmerged at least 6 test body diameters below the test tank surfacewhile remaining at least 6 test body diameters from the test tank'sbottom surface. The test body was tested at velocities ranging from 0.5to 12 knots and at Reynolds numbers of from 1×10⁵ to 2×10⁶. The testbody's outer sleeve was also rotated at 15 degree increments toestablish the maximum VIV amplitude

FIG. 8 is a gross comparison of motion predictions using Test Apparatus2 which did not include any actuators to compensate for the mechanicaldamping and Test Apparatus 1 depicted in FIG. 1 against actual fieldmeasurements of two offshore production facilities. For Platform 1 onTest Apparatus 2, the maximum VIV amplitude 50 is less than half of thefield observations 51. The data obtained using the improved TestApparatus 2 and methodology described herein is represented by 52. ForPlatform 2 on Test Apparatus 2, the maximum VIV amplitude 53 is lessthan half of the field observations 54. The data obtained using TestApparatus 1 and methodology described herein is represented by 55. AsFIG. 8 displays the maximum A/D measured using Test Apparatus 2 was only0.2 rather than 0.5 for Test Apparatus 1 depicted in FIG. 1. The datademonstrates that testing using Test Apparatus 2 underestimated VIVmotions.

In the second example, the testing apparatus described as Test Apparatus1 in the previous example was used to predict the VIV effects of anon-uniform test body of the type depicted in FIG. 5. There is currentlyno known prior art analytical methodology useful for accuratelypredicting the VIV effects, including the heading dependence, of complexsurface appurtenances, such as mooring hardware, pipes and strakecut-outs, located on offshore structures. Using embodiments of thetesting apparatus described herein however, such behavior may beaccurately predicted.

In this example a horizontal double test body with a divider plate wastested at 10-degree increments by rotating the test body sleeve aroundthe inner core of the test body. The above-described test rig wassecured to a tow carriage and dragged through a 2000 ft×20 ft×16 ftwater test tank. The test body was submerged at least 6 test bodydiameters below the test tank surface while remaining at least 6 testbody diameters from the test tank's bottom surface. The test body wastested at velocities ranging from 0.5 to 12 knots and at Reynoldsnumbers of from 1×10⁵ to 2×10₆.

FIG. 9 shows the response versus direction for Platform No. 2 in theGulf of Mexico. In FIG. 9 the model test date obtained using TestApparatus 1 is depicted by triangles 100 while the observed field datafor the actual platform is depicted by squares 101. FIG. 10 shows theresponse versus direction for Platform No. 1 in the Gulf of Mexico. InFIG. 10 the model test date obtained using Test Apparatus 1 is depictedby triangles 102 while the observed field data for the actual platformis depicted by squares 103. To date field data has only been collectedfor a limited number of current directions, however the data doesindicate that the directional sensitivity observed in the lab using thetesting apparatus described herein is consistent with fieldmeasurements.

Certain features of the present invention are described in terms of aset of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. Itshould be appreciated that ranges formed by any combination of theselimits are within the scope of the invention unless otherwise indicated.Although some of the dependent claims have single dependencies inaccordance with U.S. practice, each of the features in any of suchdependent claims can be combined with each of the features of one ormore of the other dependent claims dependent upon the same independentclaim or claims.

The present invention has been described in connection with itspreferred embodiments. However, to the extent that the foregoingdescription is specific to a particular embodiment or a particular useof the invention, this is intended to be illustrative only and is not tobe construed as limiting the scope of the invention. On the contrary, itis intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalentsthat are included within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined by the appended claims.

1-216. (canceled)
 217. A vortex induced vibration motion testingapparatus comprising a test rig suitable for holding a horizontal testbody in a water body, wherein said testing apparatus includes one ormore element(s) selected from: an actuator suitable for producing aforce upon the test body, said actuator using a feedback controlmechanism, wherein a damping model is used in said feedback controlmechanism; a turbulence generator located in the water body up currentfrom the test body suitable for generating a turbulent flow field withuniform turbulence intensity across the water body-test body interface,the turbulent flow field including dominate vortical structures, theaxis of the vortical structures about parallel to the longitudinal axisof the test body; and a test body adjuster suitable for adjusting thetest body relative to the water current in four or more increments,thereby enabling multiple headings of the test body to be tested againstthe current of the water body.
 218. The testing apparatus according toclaim 217, wherein said one or more elements is an actuator suitable forproducing a force upon the test body, said actuator using a feedbackcontrol mechanism, wherein a damping model is used in said feedbackcontrol mechanism.
 219. The testing apparatus according to claim 218,wherein the actuator is capable of producing a force in a directionperpendicular to the direction of the water current acting upon the testbody.
 220. The testing apparatus according to claim 219, furtherincluding an actuation force measurement device suitable for measuringthe force applied by the actuator upon the test body.
 221. The testingapparatus according to claim 219, further including a push-pull assemblysuitable for transferring force from an actuator to the test body. 222.The testing apparatus according to claim 221, further including a springin communication with the push-pull assembly, thereby enabling thespring to absorb at least a portion of the force induced in the testbody from movement in the water body.
 223. The testing apparatusaccording to claim 222, wherein the push-pull assembly further includesa test body force measurement device suitable for measuring forcetransferred from the test body to the test rig.
 224. The testingapparatus according to claim 222, wherein the push-pull assemblyincludes a push-pull rod in communication with a car, the push-pull rodin communication with the test body, the push-pull rod therebycommunicating forces induced in the test body from movement of the testbody in the water body to the car, the car in communication with thespring thereby providing dampening of the forces induced in the testbody from movement of the test body in the water body.
 225. The testingapparatus according to claim 219, further including a vertical motionsensor.
 226. The testing apparatus according to claim 225, furtherincluding an actuator control system.
 227. The testing apparatusaccording to claim 226, wherein said actuator control system is adigital control system.
 228. The testing apparatus according to claim227, wherein said actuator control system includes control logicselected from Coulomb damping logic, linear damping logic, quadraticdamping logic, and combinations thereof.
 229. The testing apparatusaccording to claim 217, wherein said one or more element(s) is aturbulence generator located in the water body up current from the testbody suitable for generating a turbulent flow field with uniformturbulence intensity across the water body-test body interface, theturbulent flow field including dominate vortical structures, the axis ofthe vortical structures about parallel to the longitudinal axis of thetest body.
 230. The testing apparatus according to claim 229, whereinthe turbulence generator includes a plurality of bars positionedupstream of the test body.
 231. The testing apparatus according to claim230, wherein the test body is a horizontal test body and the pluralityof bars are disposed horizontally.
 232. The testing apparatus accordingto claim 231, wherein the turbulence generator includes one largerdiameter bar up current of two smaller diameter bars.
 233. The testingapparatus according to claim 232, wherein the larger diameter bar has adiameter of from 1.2 to 1.8 times of the diameter of the two smallerdiameter bars.
 234. The testing apparatus according to claim 217,wherein said one or more element(s) is a test body adjuster suitable foradjusting the test body relative to the water current in four or moreincrements, thereby enabling multiple headings of the test body to betested against the current of the water body.
 235. The testing apparatusaccording to claim 234, wherein the test body adjuster comprises anouter sleeve rotatably movable upon the test body.
 236. The testingapparatus according to claim 235, wherein the test body adjuster iscapable of adjusting the test body relative to the water current in 8 ormore increments.
 237. The testing apparatus according to claim 236,wherein the test body adjuster is capable of adjusting the test bodyrelative to the water current in twelve or more increments.
 238. Thetesting apparatus according to claim 217, further including a horizontaldouble test body separated by a divider plate, each respective side ofsaid test body fabricated to represent a structure to be tested. 239.The testing apparatus according to claim 217, further including avertical displacement equalization system suitable for equalizing therotational force which may be induced in the test body perpendicular tothe water current.
 240. The testing apparatus according to claim 217,further including a non-linear spring system suitable for absorbing atleast a portion of the forces imparted to the test body in a directionperpendicular to the water current.
 241. The testing apparatus accordingto claim 217, further including a towing mechanism suitable fortransferring movement from a means of propulsion to the test bodythereby moving the test body relative to the water body, said towingmechanism including a towing strut pivotally connected to a towing rod,said towing rod connected to said test body, said towing strut connectedto said means of propulsion, said towing mechanism thereby providing ameans for movement of said test body in a direction perpendicular to thewater current.
 242. The testing apparatus according to claim 219,further including a horizontal double test body separated by a dividerplate, each respective side of said test body fabricated to represent astructure to be tested.
 243. The testing apparatus according to claim219, further including a vertical displacement equalization systemsuitable for equalizing the rotational force which may be induced in thetest body perpendicular to the water current.
 244. The testing apparatusaccording to claim 219, further including a non-linear spring systemsuitable for absorbing at least a portion of the forces imparted to thetest body in a direction perpendicular to the water current.
 245. Thetesting apparatus according to claim 219, further including a towingmechanism suitable for transferring movement from a means of propulsionto the test body thereby moving the test body relative to the waterbody, said towing mechanism including a towing strut pivotally connectedto a towing rod, said towing rod connected to said test body, saidtowing strut connected to said means of propulsion, said towingmechanism thereby providing a means for movement of said test body in adirection perpendicular to the water current.
 246. A method for testingvortex induced vibration motions using a testing apparatus according toclaim 217, 218, 229, or 234, comprising: a) providing a water bodycomprising water; b) attaching a test body to a test rig of the testingapparatus; c) submerging the test body at least partially in the waterbody; and d) moving the test body, the water, or both thereby creatingrelative movement between the test body and the water.
 247. The methodof claim 246, further including: e) measuring at least one aspect of thetest body's movement in the water.
 248. The method of claim 247, whereinsaid test body is a model of an offshore structure.
 249. The method ofclaim 248, further comprising: f) designing a full scale offshorestructure using the measurement obtained in step e.
 250. The methodaccording to claim 249, further comprising: g) constructing an offshorestructure based upon the design obtained in step f.
 251. The methodaccording to claim 250, wherein the offshore structure is a DDCV, trussspar, drilling riser, production riser, pipeline, drilling vessel,production vessel or sub-sea well.
 252. The method according to claim251, further comprising: h) producing offshore hydrocarbon resourcesusing the offshore structure.
 253. The method of claim 251, furthercomprising: i) transporting the hydrocarbon resources to shore.
 254. Avortex induced vibration motion testing apparatus, comprising: a) a testbody; b) a test rig suitable for holding the test body in a water body;and c) one or more element(s) selected from: an actuator suitable forproducing a force upon the test body, said actuator using a feedbackcontrol mechanism, wherein a damping model is used in said feedbackcontrol mechanism; a turbulence generator located in the water body upcurrent from the test body suitable for generating a turbulent flowfield with uniform turbulence intensity across the water body-test bodyinterface, the turbulent flow field including dominate vorticalstructures, the axis of the vortical structures about parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the test body; and a test body adjuster suitablefor adjusting the test body relative to the water current in four ormore increments, thereby enabling multiple headings of the test body tobe tested against the current of the water body.
 255. The testingapparatus according to claim 254, wherein the one or more elements is anactuator suitable for producing a force upon the test body, saidactuator using a feedback control mechanism, wherein a damping model isused in said feedback control mechanism.
 256. The testing apparatusaccording to claim 255, wherein the actuator is capable of producing aforce in a direction perpendicular to the direction of a water currentacting upon the test body.
 257. The testing apparatus according to claim256, further including an actuation force measurement device suitablefor measuring the force applied by the actuator upon the test body. 258.The testing apparatus according to claim 257, further including apush-pull assembly suitable for transferring force from an actuator tothe test body.
 259. The testing apparatus according to claim 257,further including a spring in communication with the push-pull assembly,thereby enabling the spring to absorb at least a portion of the forceinduced in the test body from movement in the water body.
 260. Thetesting apparatus according to claim 258, wherein the push-pull assemblyfurther includes a test body force measurement device suitable formeasuring force transferred from the test body to the test rig.
 261. Thetesting apparatus according to claim 260, wherein the push-pull assemblyincludes a push-pull rod in communication with a car, the push-pull rodin communication with the test body, the push-pull rod therebycommunicating forces induced in the test body from movement of the testbody in the water body to the car, the car in communication with thespring thereby providing dampening of the forces induced in the testbody from movement of the test body in the water body.
 262. The testingapparatus according to claim 255, further including a vertical motionsensor.
 263. The testing apparatus according to claim 262, furtherincluding an actuator control system.
 264. The testing apparatusaccording to claim 263, wherein said actuator control system includescontrol logic selected from Coulomb damping logic, linear damping logic,quadratic damping logic, and combinations thereof.
 265. The testingapparatus according to claim 254, wherein the one or more elements is aturbulence generator located in the water body up current from the testbody suitable for generating a turbulent flow field with uniformturbulence intensity across the water body-test body interface, theturbulent flow field including dominate vortical structures, the axis ofthe vortical structures about parallel to the longitudinal axis of thetest body.
 266. The testing apparatus according to claim 265, whereinthe turbulence generator includes a plurality of bars positionedupstream of the test body.
 267. The testing apparatus according to claim266, wherein the test body is a horizontal test body and the pluralityof bars are disposed horizontally.
 268. The testing apparatus accordingto claim 267, wherein the turbulence generator includes one largerdiameter bar up current of two smaller diameter bars.
 269. The testingapparatus according to claim 268, wherein the larger diameter bar has adiameter of from 1.2 to 1.8 times of the diameter of the two smallerdiameter bars.
 270. The testing apparatus according to claim 254,wherein the one or more elements is a test body adjuster suitable foradjusting the test body relative to the water current in four or moreincrements, thereby enabling multiple headings of the test body to betested against the current of the water body.
 271. The testing apparatusaccording to claim 270, wherein the test body adjuster comprises anouter sleeve rotatably movable upon the test body.
 272. The testingapparatus according to claim 271, wherein the test body adjuster iscapable of adjusting the test body relative to the water current in 8 ormore increments.
 273. The testing apparatus according to claim 272,wherein the test body adjuster is capable of adjusting the test bodyrelative to the water current in twelve or more increments.
 274. Thetesting apparatus according to claim 254, further including a verticaldisplacement equalization system suitable for equalizing the rotationalforce which may be induced in the test body perpendicular to the watercurrent.
 275. The testing apparatus according to claim 254, furtherincluding a non-linear spring system suitable for absorbing at least aportion of the forces imparted to the test body in a directionperpendicular to the water current.
 276. The testing apparatus accordingto claim 254, further including a towing mechanism suitable fortransferring movement from a means of propulsion to the test bodythereby moving the test body relative to the water body, said towingmechanism including a towing strut pivotally connected to a towing rod,said towing rod connected to said test body, said towing strut connectedto said means of propulsion, said towing mechanism thereby providing ameans for movement of said test body in a direction perpendicular to thewater current.
 277. The testing apparatus according to claim 256,further including a horizontal double test body separated by a dividerplate, each respective side of said test body fabricated to represent astructure to be tested.
 278. The testing apparatus according to claim256, further including a vertical displacement equalization systemsuitable for equalizing the rotational force which may be induced in thetest body perpendicular to the water current.
 279. The testing apparatusaccording to claim 256, further including a non-linear spring systemsuitable for absorbing at least a portion of the forces imparted to thetest body in a direction perpendicular to the water current.
 280. Thetesting apparatus according to claim 256, further including a towingmechanism suitable for transferring movement from a means of propulsionto the test body thereby moving the test body relative to the waterbody, said towing mechanism including a towing strut pivotally connectedto a towing rod, said towing rod connected to said test body, saidtowing strut connected to said means of propulsion, said towingmechanism thereby providing a means for movement of said test body in adirection perpendicular to the water current.
 281. A method for testingvortex induced vibration motions in water using a testing apparatus,comprising: a) determining a supercritical flow regime range that isdynamically relatively consistent within said flow regime range; b)determining at least one Reynolds number within said supercritical flowregime range expected to be experienced by an offshore structure whilein a body of water; c) providing a water body comprising water; d)providing a test body, said test body being representative of saidoffshore structure; e) providing a testing apparatus including a testrig suitable for holding said test body; f) attaching said test body tosaid test rig of the testing apparatus; g) determining a second Reynoldsnumber within said supercritical flow regime range that is suitable fortesting vortex induced vibration motions using said testing apparatus,said second Reynolds number differing from said at least one Reynoldsnumber; h) submerging said test body at least partially in said waterbody; and i) moving the test body, the water, or both thereby creatingrelative movement between said test body and said water wherein saidrelative movement between said test body and said water approximatessaid second Reynolds number.
 282. The method according to claim 281,wherein said determining step (a) comprises: (i) determining aconsistency measure selected from drag (C_(d)), Strouhal number, A/D,lift coefficient (C_(l)) or combinations thereof; and (ii) defining saidflow regime to exist where said consistency measure is relativelyconstant.
 283. The method according to claim 282, wherein saidconsistency measure is relatively constant where said consistencymeasure varies by less than 40%.
 284. The method according to claim 283,wherein said consistency measure is relatively constant where saidconsistency measure varies by less than 25%.
 285. The method accordingto claim 284, wherein said consistency measure includes both said A/D.286. The method according to claim 284, wherein said at least oneReynolds number is greater than 6,000,000 and said second Reynoldsnumber is less than 5,000,000.
 287. The method according to claim 286,wherein said at least one Reynolds number is greater than 20,000,000 andsaid second Reynolds number is between 800,000 and 4,000,000.
 288. Amethod for testing vortex induced vibration motions using a testingapparatus according to claim 217, comprising: a) providing a water bodycomprising water; b) attaching a test body to a test rig of the testingapparatus; c) submerging the test body at least partially in the waterbody; and d) moving the test body, the water, or both thereby creatingrelative movement between the test body and the water.
 289. The methodaccording to claim 281, wherein said testing apparatus is the testingapparatus of claim
 217. 290. The testing apparatus according to claim217, further comprising a track and car assembly.